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"This is a savage blow to the miners, their families and our local community" says Neath MP Peter Hain

"The mineworkers union, myself and the Welsh Government have worked very hard to try and save the jobs but, depressingly, to no avail."

"I have asked the Administrator to keep the 25 apprentices on along with the care and maintenance staff so that these miners of the future can maintain their training course accreditations without which their prospect of becoming fully qualified will be badly damaged."

"The mine contains the highest quality anthracite for which there is a big world demand and, with the right investors, it could still have a bright future offering vital, highly skilled, well paid jobs.

Over the past few months the mine has commenced an operational transition from continuous mining, which was not economically viable due to prevailing geological conditions, to long wall mining.

For the Company to implement its new mining plan it will need to purchase long wall mining equipment, for which funding is not currently available.

While the Administrators are seeking this new investment a team of some 30 staff will undertake a care and maintenance programme to give the mine the best possible opportunity to attract the funds it needs.

It is intended that the new investment will facilitate the completion of the transition to long wall mining and that long term viability and sustainable employment opportunities can be achieved.

Following negotiations instigated by the Company’s directors over the past few months, the Administrators have already received a high level of enquiries from potential investors and discussions are on-going but no firm timetable can yet be set.

Around 200 workers will remain at the mine while administrators are appointed

Economy Minister Edwina Hart says the Welsh Government is continuing to work with the owners of Unity Mine to secure its future.

"Over the last few years, the industry has experienced difficulties with the fall in global coal prices which have placed considerable financial pressure on operators" she says.

"While we are working with company to offer assistance, in compliance within state-aid rules, there are wider financial pressures and challenges that have meant that the company has had to take this decision."

"Discussions with third party investors are on-going, and I welcome the Director’s intention to protect the current work force while fundraising negotiations are continuing with various parties to seek to secure the long term future of the Mine and its highly skilled workforce."

I sincerely hope that the administrators can find new owners for the mine, and preserve the miners’ jobs and the future of the apprentices. Welsh Government officials continue to be in discussion with the mine.